Kindness Across Generations: Importance of Intergenerational Activities in a Retirement Living Community

In society today, the generation categories become synonymous with an individual’s behavior or even abilities. What defines the age groups Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X, Baby Boomers and the Silent Generation is determined by the historical events, pop culture, attitudes and demographics of people born in a 15–20-year span. According to PEW Research, these unique factors cause the generational differences that help us understand how public attitudes are shaped. While it is so easy to focus on the differences, generations are co-existing and learning from each other in beautiful ways—especially in a retirement living community where residents represent the Silent Generation (born <1946) and Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964). Co-workers and caretakers are described as Gen Z (1997-2010), Millennials (1980-1996) and Gen X (1965-1979) and some of the best moments happen during intergenerational activities—when children from school and community groups (who represent Gen Alpha and Gen Z) visit and engage with residents. (Still to come, Gen Beta – those born in 2025 start this new cohort!)

“Wonderful things happens when the generations come together,” explained Diana Bixler, Dynamic Living Director. “When we take a step back, everyone-regardless of age-is craving connection. When seniors and children come together, or even co-workers take the time to befriend residents and share their interests, bonds are built that breakdown the generational labels.”

Intergenerational activities in a retirement living community are not only heartwarming, but all participants are benefiting from the socialization, mental stimulation, emotional learning and quality time. While school-age children are listening to stories from the older adults, the seniors are making new friends and combatting loneliness. Through activities, both the children and the seniors are learning new skills or exercising together. Children are learning empathy and kindness while the seniors are practicing patience and communication skills.

In a study conducted at Stanford, aging adults are one of the best groups to spend time with young children, not only because they can pass on decades of wisdom, but also because they are at a point in life where they have the time to do so and can provide the kind of stimulation that young children need to thrive. Older adults seek-and need-purpose in their lives.

What makes intergenerational engagement special is that even the most routine activities make a big impact. Here are some ways to bring generations together:

• Story time — Seniors share stories of what it was like when they were young, what they were interested in or what they did for fun when they were little. Then, the children can share what they want to be when they grow up. Alternatively, pick a favorite book to read out loud together.
• Craft projects — Get creative through coloring or craft projects. Doing something to match the season like Christmas ornaments or flower pots are nice keepsakes from the visit.
• Puzzles and games — These activities encourage teamwork in tackling problems together though creative thinking and following directions.
• Singing and dancing — Enjoying music through the decades helps the seniors reminisce about their favorite songs and introduces children to the hits. Dancing together is a sneaky way to also exercise.
• Baking — For seniors, passing down recipes to the next generation is a way to continue traditions. Meanwhile, encouraging children to help introduce basic cooking skills and practices math through measuring.
• Exercising — For example, get outside for a walk. It’ll be good for the heart and soul when children and seniors explore nature together.

A Retirement Living Community with Purpose in Harrisburg, Pa

It’s a good day in Harrisburg, Pa. when the young and young-at-heart get together on our campus. Throughout the year activities are organized to what life is really like in our retirement living community. For example, our holiday celebrations such as the Christmas tree lighting or Easter egg extravaganza welcome community members as well as resident and co-worker families to participate. Students from area schools also spend time with residents for age-appropriate activities such as volunteer projects with older students or story time with younger ones. Additionally, Ecumenical hosts a book club that is open to the public in which participants range from ages 21 to 94 bond over a share love of reading.

Recently, in the spirit of Practice Random Acts of Kindness month, area high school students sat down with our residents to discuss what kindness means to them.

Be Part of Us

The word “community” is engrained in everything we do at Ecumenical, and we are proud of ways our residents use their time, talents and lived experience to give back and enrich the lives of our neighbors. Learn more about how our residents embrace their purpose through our community outreach and volunteer programs in our retirement living community. To join us for an upcoming activity, please contact one of our advisors.